Pethy undone by second half Magor comeback

07/03/09 - Friendly: Magor 24 v 11 North Petherton III

Report by Cameron Kirk

Petherton left the country for this game and travelled to Wales.  So, with passports, werthers originals and travel pills packed they headed for the severn bridge.  With the usual “are we there yet?” comments ringing in his ears, Cameron Kirk took his team over the water and into Magor.  They were duly greeted with a sign advertising the game!!

Playing with the slope and strong wind Petherton looked to pin Magor in their half and with the trusty left boot of colt Harry Roberts they were doing this successfully.  Unfortunately Magor lost a couple of forwards to injury and this meant that most of the game was played with non-competitive scrums, something which nullified one of Petherton’s strengths.  Petherton took the lead when fly-half Harry Roberts slotted a long range penalty.  Magor struck back immediately with a try after some good play.  Both sides were looking to play a running game and it was Petherton who scored next when good hands along the backline saw the ball reach winger Jason Carter and his pace took him in from just inside Magor’s half, Harry Roberts was unfortunate not to make the conversion. Petherton continued to press but a Harry Roberts drop-goal was all they had to show for their possession and they led 11-7 at half-time.

Against the elements and with Magor’s strong number 8 and hard running full-back getting more and more into the game, Petherton knew the second half would be tough.  It proved to be!!  Strong defence from centre Kris Sewell and second row Andy Prowse kept Petherton in the game but two scores from the welsh side saw them pull away.  Petherton kept trying to play an open game and diminutive full-back Sam Tozer had some excellent runs. Unfortunately Petherton failed to take their chances when they were on Magor’s line and a final welsh try with a couple of minutes to go sealed the game.

Centres Kris Sewell and Graham Pearn both had good games as did full back Sam Tozer.

A drop goal from the Clatworthy in English climes is one thing but to get one in a foreign land would have been a magical.....it wasn’t to be.

Magor were excellent hosts and it is hoped that this can be a regular fixture...we knew we’d have a great night when Rocker had the clubhouse snorting vodka at 5.00!!  The sight of Jason Carter playing with the traffic on the M5 will last long in the memory.   
   
Team:  T.Field, G.Coles, G.James, C.Clatworthy, A.Prowse, P.Wale, T.Pike, J.Dillon, C.Kirk, H.Roberts, K.Sewell, G.Pearn, J.Carter, S.Jones, S.Tozer.